Beacon Crag Elopement Wedding In Cornwall

A beautifully intimate and true late autumn Cornish Elopement.

Perched high above the dramatic cliffs, just outside Porthleven in Cornwall, Beacon Crag stands proud and alone. It has panoramic views of the wild Atlantic and the coastline around bears the brunt of the south westerly storms that batter the coast each Winter. Its dramatic, raw and exposed – the perfect spot for couples who want something meaningful without the fuss.

Emma and Kyle’s Elopement wedding took place at the end of November, on an uncharacteristically sunny day. There was a light breeze and a good swell, the energy of the ocean easily felt. There were no crowds, no pressure, just the two of them and the owners of Beacon Crag acting as witnesses.

A Cliff-top Elopement in late autumn Cornwall

When I first received the enquiry from Emma and Kyle and the date, I was so excited. November is well-known for being fairly unpredictable weather wise but with that unpredictability came the possibility of beautiful low winter light. Plus the coastline just outside the door of Beacon Crag is stunning. And when I met the couple over zoom, I knew right away we would get on and we were a great fit.

They explained that they wanted the day to be just about them. They have kids together but wanted to keep the day just about their relationship and to be truly present for one another. They had contemplated a more traditional day with many more guests but decided it wasn’t what they wanted.

So an internet search led them to Beacon Cove and a fleeting visit by Kyle confirmed to him it was the venue that suited them perfectly. And so they booked the date and their registrar and plan was a go!

Why Beacon Crag is perfect for an Intimate Elopement

Beacon Crag is the perfect venue for couples who value privacy and a connection to the landscape, you really have to visit to feel it. It’s personal and keeps you grounded, rather than feeling performative. It just feels right and the location speaks for itself.

Some of the reasons couples fall in love with Beacon Crag:

• Dramatic Cliff-top views without feeling touristy
• A sense of seclusion, especially outside of peak season
• Easy Access while still feeling remote
• Incredible light and the drama of the location

It is particularly suited to elopements and smaller weddings.

A Relaxed, documentary approach to Elopement Photography

Emma and Kyle were clear on what they wanted from their Wedding Photographer. They wanted natural, authentic images of the ceremony and then wanted to get out onto the cliffs to get some beautiful images of them both. I think Kyle actually said he wanted one good photo of them on the cliff-top. But I knew I could do more than that. We discussed how long they wanted me for and what they did and didn’t want to be captured. So I arrived in good time just before the ceremony started. I had enough time to grab a few portraits of them both once they were suited and booted for the day ahead.

The ceremony was perfect for them. They had opted for a registrar led ceremony but with a celebrant style delivery, with a hand fasting ceremony and exchange of rings. The owners of the venue acted as witnesses and that was it. Just the two of them, just as they wanted. The front room was perfect for this and they said their vows with the open expanse of the ocean in front of them.

The Cliff-Top wedding photographs

Following the ceremony, we headed out onto the coast path, directly from the grounds of Beacon Crag. I know the area here really well, so we got some great images!

However, when I spoke to them during our first call, I asked whether they would be up for more of a walk further along the coastline. They were really keen for this and I was keen to show off the coastline of Cornwall. Nearby to the venue, a short car drive away, there are some great vantage points and also historical relics of Cornwalls mining heritage. So we jumped into my car and off we went.

What followed was an awesome walk, Emma and Kyle spending some quality time together and me running around doing my best to really show them off in the stunning surroundings of South Cornwall. Check out some of the rest of the day at the bottom of the page.

Is a Cornwall Elopement right for you?

Elopements aren’t about “doing less” — they’re about doing what actually matters to you. For many couples, that means stripping things back and choosing a setting that feels meaningful rather than traditional.

A cliff-top elopement in Cornwall might be right if you:

• Want a wedding day without a strict timetable
• Love the coast and wild landscapes
• Prefer experiences over formalities
• Want your wedding to feel like you

Beacon Crag offers all of that, quietly and without trying too hard.

Planning a Beacon Crag Elopement

If you’re considering eloping at Beacon Crag or somewhere similar in Cornwall, my advice is simple: plan lightly. Give yourselves time. Choose suppliers who understand that elopements aren’t about performance — they’re about presence.

November and the quieter months can be especially rewarding, offering more privacy, moodier skies, and a slower pace that suits intimate weddings perfectly.

And if you think we could be a great fit for your elopement, I would love to chat through your plans and capture your perfect wedding! You can contact me here.

Suppliers

• Venue: Beacon Crag
• Photography: Chris Armstrong Photography
• Hair: Caroline Ruddock Bridal Hairstylist
• Make Up: The Blushing Barn
• Flowers: In Bloom Porthleven
• Registrar: My Cornwall Wedding